Private Sector Housing Officer

Buckingham Futures have taken on an exciting position in East London for a Private Sector Housing Officer to improve the quality, safety and choice of accommodation, and the service provided to occupiers and tenants in the private housing sector through action in a range of intervention strategies, including enforcement, education and advice.

Key Tasks

1. To participate in a key, operational or project to ensure that various technical functions and associated work are performed effectively to service objectives. To contribute and assist in the formulation and implementation of operational policies and initiatives carried out by the Private Sector Housing Group (PSHG). To actively work with the Team or Group on technical issues and service delivery matters. To implement Team decisions for service and work improvements. To report to the Team Manager or Principal on all appropriate matters concerning the activities, duties, responsibilities of staff within the Team and/or project. Show awareness of different learning styles and needs. Develop and contribute to knowledge sharing initiatives including training programmes, mentoring, coaching and provide day to day technical support for colleagues. To investigate, inspect and report on and resolve cases involving  the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, the Decent Homes standard, compulsory purchase procedures, houses in multiple occupation, energy efficiency, harassment, tenancy issues, legal enforcement action and other private sector housing activities. To assist with procurement activity, supervise contractors and other third party providers including authorising payments in relation to the delivery of statutory activities and other private sector housing services. To  process technical and other data held electronically and assist with the development of the business process and activity reports concerned with outputs and performance indicators. Understand the appropriate IT systems for business improvement and promote data quality and integrity at all times.   To inspect and survey buildings and land including the preparation of schedules of work, defects, plans, priced specifications, energy audits and the use of risk assessment techniques and equipment.

Knowledge

1. Knowledge of private sector housing within the local government framework including the enforcement and regulatory functions, landlord and tenant law and the application of all relevant legal and practical principles. Knowledge of the main functions of a local authority public health and housing functions and the wider determinants of health and housing within the context of environmental health. Knowledge of developments in the field of housing and health and of the sociological, demographic and geographical demands and constraints of inner city Boroughs. Understanding of construction technology, surveying techniques and schedules of work, application of risk assessments and the framework of landlord and tenant law as it relates to rights and responsibilities. An understanding of the Council’s Vision and corporate aims for the service political structure and operation.

Qualifications

1. To hold an appropriate Environmental Health Registration Board approved academic qualification - an MSc or BSc (Hons) in Environmental Health or equivalent degree/vocational qualification in a related legal or technical field. Evidence of continuing professional development.

Experience:

1. Experience of core aspects of private sector housing work including the legal and technical application of housing law to standards of accommodation and the rights and responsibilities of owners and occupiers. Experience of the use and application of the Housing Act 2004 and other principal acts and statutory guidance. Experience of providing advice on complex housing cases.

If you have the right experience for this role and feel your skills and experience match the requirements, or if you would like more information, please contact us on 020 8732 5450 or email ricky@buckinghamfutures.com